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Authorities do not believe that all of the vermiculite was affected but it is considered possible to likely that any attic insulation installed prior to 1991 will contain some asbestos. Let the home inspector climb up on the ladder and take the sample for you. Modern vermiculite, since 1991, comes from three US facilities and is considered to be safe. If you do not know where to go, to find a lab, or maybe you want a professional to do the test for you, then call a home inspector in your town. Vermiculite is a mineral that is different than asbestos, but the problem is simple: Vermiculite, mined prior to 1991, came from a mine near Libby, Montana. Moving it around stirs it up, makes it airborne, and that is not what you want to do.Do you have, or have you heard of, vermiculite attic insulation? It is a common mineral that we home inspectors often find in attics. What to do? The EPA suggests that, if you have older vermiculite, leave it alone and do not disturb it. The fee should be quite low for this simple service.If a homeowner is really concerned about vermiculite, he or she could get the material tested at a lab..So, in a nutshell, the biggest problem with the attic insulation comes into play if you want to remodel. Despite the innocent, if unusual appearance, there could be safety concerns with this product if it is disturbed. For example, I inspected a home once, where an attic had been converted to a bedroom, and vermiculite was openly visible on the floor of all of the bedroom closets. Just opening the door and getting dressed in the morning would stir it up.The mine had a natural deposit of asbestos present which tainted some of the vermiculite with the asbestos fibers. But, don't do that without first getting the information or a kit from the lab, so you can learn how to safely collect the material. It looks like crushed rocks and a bit like rabbit ration -- the pellets you feed rabbits and hamsters. In fact, storing belongings in such attics, or kids playing in the space,.